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OPINION: A time for tribute

Posted: November 13, 2012 - 12:02am

During Veterans Day activities over the weekend, much was said — and should have been — in southeast Georgia and across the country about the men and women who serve and have served in the military forces of the United States.

Savannah took its turn Saturday with the annual Veterans Day parade through the city’s historic district,

On Sunday, attention turned to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler where American Legion Post 322 gave Bud Porter, 91, of Hilton Head, a certificate of honor and a custom vest.

Porter didn’t know the West Chatham legion post had selected him as their veteran of the year. He thought he was just going to help honor fellow veterans.

Porter, who served in the Eighth Air Force as a ball-turret gunner, made it clear the honor wasn’t just for him.

“You know, all I do is represent those who didn’t make it back,” Porter said. “I try to represent them, and that’s all I do — represent those who didn’t make it. Thank you.”

Post adjutant Joseph Garcia, who served in Korea and Vietnam, said veterans don’t get enough recognition today and it’s especially important to honor those who fought in World War II as their numbers dwindle.

“People forget,” Garcia said.

Yes, we do, but it’s incumbent on those of us who benefit daily from the service of Porter and hundreds or thousands of others to ensure that we remember.